Chicken Feta Spinach Sun Dried: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Chicken feta spinach sun dried tomato pasta is a dish that sings of the Mediterranean sun and bursts with vibrant flavors. Imagine tender chicken, mingling with salty feta, earthy spinach, and the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, all embraced by perfectly cooked pasta. Are you ready to transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched Italian villa with just one bite?

While not steeped in centuries of tradition like some Italian classics, this delightful combination draws inspiration from the rustic, wholesome ingredients that define Mediterranean cuisine. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It’s a modern classic that has quickly become a favorite in households around the world.

People adore chicken feta spinach sun dried tomato pasta for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly delicious! The saltiness of the feta perfectly complements the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes, while the spinach adds a touch of freshness. Secondly, it’s relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight meal. And finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Spinach and Feta Filling:
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste (be mindful of the saltiness of the feta)
• Optional Toppings/Sauces:
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Tzatziki sauce, for serving
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Preparing the Spinach and Feta Filling:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of this dish – the delicious spinach and feta filling! This is where all the flavor comes from, so pay attention to the details.

1. Sauté the Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. We just want to release its aroma.
2. Wilt the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. You might need to do this in batches, as the spinach will wilt down significantly. Stir frequently until the spinach is completely wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcook it, we want it to retain some texture.
3. Remove Excess Moisture: Once the spinach is wilted, transfer it to a colander and press out as much excess moisture as possible. This is crucial! Too much moisture will make the filling watery and the chicken difficult to stuff. You can use the back of a spoon or your hands (carefully, it will be hot!) to squeeze out the liquid. Alternatively, you can place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out.
4. Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed-out spinach, crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that feta cheese is already quite salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed.
5. Mix Well: Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is your chance to make it perfect! Do you want more red pepper flakes? A little more feta? Now’s the time to add it.

Preparing the Chicken Breasts:

Now that the filling is ready, let’s prepare the chicken breasts. This involves creating a pocket for the filling and seasoning the chicken for maximum flavor.

1. Pound the Chicken (Optional): Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it easier to stuff. If your chicken breasts are already relatively thin, you can skip this step.
2. Create a Pocket: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit into the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. You want to create a pouch that you can fill with the spinach and feta mixture. The size of the pocket will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but aim for a pocket that can hold a generous amount of filling.
3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, both inside and out. Make sure to get the seasoning into the pocket as well. This will ensure that the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.

Stuffing and Cooking the Chicken:

This is where the magic happens! We’ll stuff the chicken with the delicious filling and then cook it to perfection.

1. Stuff the Chicken: Carefully spoon the spinach and feta filling into the pocket of each chicken breast. Don’t overstuff the chicken, as the filling might spill out during cooking. Use your fingers to gently press the filling into the pocket and distribute it evenly.
2. Secure the Chicken (Optional): If you’re concerned about the filling spilling out, you can secure the opening of the chicken breast with toothpicks. Insert the toothpicks at an angle to hold the edges of the chicken together. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!
3. Cook the Chicken: There are several ways to cook the stuffed chicken breasts. Here are a few options:
   • Oven Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish that has been lightly greased. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • Pan-Searing and Baking: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method gives the chicken a nice crispy exterior.
   • Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the stuffed chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry.
4. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, being careful not to touch the filling. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven, skillet, or grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.

Serving Suggestions:

Now that your Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is ready, it’s time to serve it! Here are some ideas to make it a complete and delicious meal:

• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors of the dish and adds a touch of acidity.
• Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy Greek yogurt sauce is a perfect complement to the chicken and filling. Its cool and refreshing flavor balances the richness of the feta and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the dish. It also looks beautiful!
• Side Dishes: Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables (such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers), quinoa, rice, or a simple salad.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with this dish.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Feta Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Delight is truly a recipe you absolutely must try. I know, I know, I say that about a lot of recipes, but trust me on this one! The combination of tender chicken, salty feta, vibrant spinach, and those intensely flavorful sun-dried tomatoes creates a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds singing. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s a winner, plain and simple.

But beyond just the incredible flavor, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? I’ve got you covered! Serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or couscous for a complete and satisfying meal. You could also toss it with your favorite pasta – penne, rotini, or even a simple spaghetti would work beautifully. For a lighter option, try serving it over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. The possibilities are truly endless!

And speaking of possibilities, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or even a creamy mozzarella. Want to add a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. Feel free to substitute the spinach with kale or chard for a different nutritional boost and flavor profile. You could even add some chopped artichoke hearts for an extra layer of Mediterranean flair. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a fantastic base that you can easily customize to your own preferences.

I’ve made this Chicken Feta Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Delight countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s one of those recipes that I can rely on when I need something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with protein and nutrients, so you can feel good about what you’re eating.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. It’s a crowd-pleaser, it’s easy to make, and it’s incredibly delicious. What more could you ask for?

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do make it, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you served it. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even just send me an email. I’m always eager to hear from fellow food lovers and see how they’re enjoying my recipes.

I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures with this Chicken Feta Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Delight. Happy cooking!